What to expect from a GP consultation for transient ischaemic attack

Expect questions about sudden weakness or numbness, facial drooping, speech or vision changes, balance, headache, and how long each symptom lasted. Your GP will ask whether everything fully resolved and review medical conditions and medicines that affect stroke risk. They may check blood pressure, pulse, heart rhythm, movement, sensation, speech and coordination. Even when symptoms have stopped, the episode can require rapid specialist review because a TIA may precede a stroke.

Write down the time symptoms started, what was noticed first, how they changed and when they stopped. If someone witnessed the episode, bring their description. Take your medicine list and mention missed doses, smoking, diabetes or previous vascular problems. Do not drive yourself if symptoms are present or returning. Follow the referral instructions carefully; tests may include brain or blood-vessel imaging, heart checks and blood tests.

Call emergency services immediately for new facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden loss of vision, severe imbalance or a sudden severe headache. Do this even if the signs improve while you are waiting. Do not wait for a routine GP appointment when symptoms are happening now.

Ask how urgently you need specialist review, which tests are planned, what symptoms require an emergency call, and how to take your current medicines while waiting. Ask when and how follow-up will be arranged.